Malcolm Turnbull's backers say he has extended his support base in the face of a possible second challenge from rival Peter Dutton because frontbenchers who voted against the Prime Minister yesterday have now pledged their loyalty.

Key points:

Peter Dutton could launch a second challenge as early as today

Ten frontbenchers offer resignations to Turnbull, two have been accepted

Mr Turnbull has also won the public backing of two of his most senior colleagues — Senate leader Mathias Cormann and Treasurer Scott Morrison.

Mr Dutton's supporters are confident they can replace Mr Turnbull as leader with another move as early as this week.

But Turnbull loyalists point out some of the 35 people who backed Mr Turnbull yesterday have now publicly and privately supported the PM.

Cabinet ministers Greg Hunt, Michael Keenan and Steve Ciobo, as well as Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge, all offered their resignations after voting for Mr Dutton, but the offers have not been accepted.

Mr Turnbull said he'd had discussions with all of them.

"What I'm endeavouring to do is to obviously ensure that the party is stable, to maintain the stability of the Government of Australia. That's critically important," he said explaining how he was handling their disloyalty.

"And so, the Cabinet ministers, apart from Peter Dutton of course, who came to me and told me that they had voted for Mr Dutton in the leadership ballot, have given me unequivocal assurances of continuing loyalty and support," he said.

Bill Shorten is seeking to capitalise on his opponent's woes, writing to Mr Turnbull and demanding he avoid making any decisions that would "bind an incoming government" until the Liberal leadership is "satisfactorily resolved".

Mr Shorten said actions covered by his request include major policy decisions, significant appointments, major contracts and commitments that may affect international negotiations.

The Prime Minister's strategy to maintain his leadership rests on convincing waverers that a win for Mr Dutton means an early election the party is not prepared for.

"We would be in an election by Friday," one source told the ABC, saying the Coalition would start well behind Labor.

"We ain't got the brass and we're not battle-ready."

Pro-Turnbull forces argue crossbenchers and potentially some Nationals would decline to support a Dutton-led government in a no-confidence motion, which would trigger an early poll.

Queensland Liberal MP Luke Howarth said he believed Mr Turnbull would survive the week, and that the frontbenchers were obliged to resign.

"If they voted for Peter Dutton, that's probably the right thing to do," he said